The new Citroen C4 is a really good looking machine – but I’m not sure how to describe it.
It’s a hatchback, not a crossover or SUV, but it’s got more ground clearance than your traditional hatch and has cladding on its lower edges.
It looks like Citroen has sort of followed what Ford has done with the Fiesta and Focus – jacking them up and adding plastic side protection, then calling them Active models.
But regardless, the C4 is an exceptionally attractive car – and being higher off the ground than most hatchbacks has made it easier to get in and out of.
For those ready to join the electric revolution, Citroen will sell you an e-C4 – but for those of us who aren’t there’s a 130bhp 1.5-litre diesel or a 1.2-litre petrol.
Most will choose petrol so that’s what we’re testing. You have a choice of three trim levels – Sense Plus through Shine to Shine Plus.
A Sense Plus with the petrol engine and a manual gearbox costs £22,990 and our Shine Plus with the same engine but automatic is £26,605. We’re in a left-hand drive test car here so its French specification is slightly different to the UK versions.
The equipment level is generous, even in the Sense Plus which gets LED headlamps and a 10in infotainment screen that includes a reversing camera.
You’ll be thankful for the camera – while the split rear window looks cool it’s not easy to see out of. The Shine spec adds more goodies including keyless entry, tinted rear windows, automatic high beams and a heated steering wheel – you pay an extra £1,000 for it.
Jump another £1,200 to Shine Plus for leather, heated and electric front seats and a premium audio system.
Citroen has been working hard on improving quality and the new C4s are significantly better than previous models.
And a lot of effort has gone into fitting practical features – like the hidden storage bin that’s ahead of the gear lever and, better still, the tablet holder in front of the passenger.
The latter is just the sort of detail that turns an average family car into an outstanding one.
The sloping rear back doesn’t exact too high a price from rear seat passengers because there’s still adequate headroom.
The boot holds 380 litres and 1,250 litres when the rear seats are flat. Both are respectable numbers for a car in this class.
If you’re a long-time Citroen owner or enthusiast you might notice the front of the C4 has a hint of CX and GS in its styling.
You’ll also know that 1970s Citroens were exceptionally comfy – back then you got Rolls-Royce comfort for Ford money.
Citroen has returned to that philosophy, with less emphasis on sporty handling that its rivals obsess about.
All versions of the C4 have the firm’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension.
I’ve driven the e-C4 and the smoothness of the electric powertrain really suits this car.
There’s not much wrong with the 1.2-litre petrol engine; it’s refined and its 130bhp provides adequate performance.
What’s not so good is the eight-speed automatic gearbox which spends time wondering what gear it wants to be in, especially when pulling out of junctions.
But the new C4 ticks a lot of boxes and looks refreshingly different. It works particularly well as an electric car but is still a great choice in petrol. And diesel offers a possible 70mpg.
Whatever the powertrain, the new C4 marks another step forward for Citroen; a company that is rediscovering its roots to the benefit of its customers.
THE FACTS
Citroen C4 Shine Plus
Price: £26,605
Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol, 130bhp
0-62mph: 9.4sec
Fuel consumption: 44.7-50.3mpg
Co2: 131g/km
THE RIVALS
Ford Focus Active X
The Focus gets the faux off-road treatment. Sportier than the Citroen if that matters to you.
Kia Ceed 3
A conventional hatchback that’s good value and a safe bet. Especially with its 7-year warranty.
Toyota C-HR
Dearer, but an interesting alternative that has eye catching styling and hybrid powertrain.
